Kids Become Focus of Carolina Marketing Forum

The annual East Coast Credit Union Marketing Conference, sponsored by the North Carolina and Virginia Credit Union Leagues next month, has set its sole focus on Gen Y and youth programs.

"Based on the response we got from last year when we had just one breakout session devoted to the topic, conference planners felt the whole two-day meeting should focus on youth marketing," a spokesman for the North Carolina League said.

The conference is slated for Sept. 24-25 at the Hilton Hotel in Wilmington. It traditionally draws attendees from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, "but this year we want to make sure marketers and CEOs from the entire East Coast take part," the spokesman said.

Among the featured speakers are James Flores, president of SubCat Marketing Group, who will discuss new rules for youth marketing, and Code Green CEO Jason Green on "Connect with the Next Generation on Their Own Terms." Also on tap is a presentation on how to appeal to young people by an official of Neenah Paper Co.

The conference will also concentrate on the most popular forms of social media, including Facebook and Twitter, said Christina J. Brocato, a member of the planning committee and marketing officer of Premier FCU, Greensboro.

"We will also be looking at the best programs that focus on the Hispanic market," said Brocato, who is forecasting a higher turnout than last year despite the economy because of new programming features. Last year's conference was held in Roanoke, Va.